Knicks Beat Bulls 133-127 as Jalen Brunson Scores 38

The New York Knicks defeated the Chicago Bulls 133-127 on Wednesday, October 28, 2026, at United Center as Jalen Brunson led all scorers with 38 points. New York erased a six-point deficit entering the fourth quarter, outscoring Chicago 43-31 in the final period to earn the road win.

Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown

First Quarter: Knicks Take a Narrow Lead

New York finished the opening quarter ahead 34-33. Both offenses produced immediately, combining for 67 points in a period that left little separation between the teams.

Second Quarter: Bulls Move Ahead

Chicago outscored New York 29-22 in the second quarter to take a 62-56 halftime lead. The Knicks’ 22 points marked their lowest-scoring quarter of the night, while the Bulls turned a one-point deficit into a six-point advantage.

Third Quarter: Chicago Maintains Its Edge

The teams scored 34 points apiece in the third quarter, leaving Chicago ahead 96-90. New York restored its offensive production but made no progress on the scoreboard, setting up a fourth-quarter comeback attempt.

Fourth Quarter: New York Delivers 43 Points

The Knicks saved their highest-scoring period for last. Their 43-31 fourth-quarter advantage produced a 12-point swing, enough to overturn Chicago’s lead and secure the 133-127 victory without overtime.

Key Performers

• Jalen Brunson, Knicks: Led all scorers with 38 points and added seven assists, providing New York’s top individual performance.
• Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks: Collected a game-high 13 rebounds as New York finished with a substantial advantage on the glass.
• Tyler Kolek, Knicks: Led New York with nine assists, contributing to a 32-assist team performance.
• Norman Powell, Bulls: Paced Chicago with 30 points.
• Jalen Smith, Bulls: Recorded 17 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks for a productive double-double.
• Josh Giddey, Bulls: Led both teams with 11 assists. Chicago matched New York’s total of 32.

NerdSports Stat: New York outscored Chicago 66-54 from three-point range—a 12-point advantage that was exactly twice the Knicks’ six-point winning margin.

Game Analysis

Three-Point Production Offsets Lower Overall Accuracy

The Knicks shot 44.8% from the field, below Chicago’s 48.4%, but made more baskets overall and generated more points from beyond the arc. New York finished 22-for-48 on three-pointers, shooting 45.8%, while Chicago went 18-for-42, or 42.9%.

That combination of volume and accuracy mattered. New York made four more three-pointers despite attempting only six more, helping offset the Bulls’ advantage in overall field-goal percentage.

Rebounding and Shot Volume Favor New York

New York held a 50-39 rebounding advantage and attempted 105 field goals to Chicago’s 91. Those totals show the Knicks had both a stronger rebounding night and more shooting opportunities, although the supplied statistics do not include the offensive-rebound and turnover breakdown needed to explain every additional attempt.

Free Throws Leave Chicago Room for Improvement

The Bulls earned 30 free-throw attempts but converted 21, finishing at 70.0%. New York made 17 of 20 for 85.0%. Chicago still outscored the Knicks by four at the line, but its nine missed free throws represented missed opportunities in a six-point game.

Ultimately, the decisive difference came in the final quarter. Chicago’s six-point lead after three periods was not enough against a New York offense that produced 43 points over the closing 12 minutes.

What the Result Means

The Knicks improved to 2-3 overall and 1-1 on the road, while the Bulls fell to 1-4 and remained winless at home at 0-2. Both Eastern Conference teams return to action Friday, October 30: Chicago hosts the Boston Celtics, and New York hosts the Philadelphia 76ers. Both games are scheduled for 4:30 p.m. PDT.

Frequently Asked Questions